Attorney: Internet gaming poses challenges, opportunities for tribes

Journal Record
April 6, 2012

Because Internet gaming has no boundaries and upsets traditional notions of brick-and-mortar casinos, tribes must find a seat at the table to protect their legal rights, Crowe & Dunlevy attorney Michael McBride III said Friday.

The Tulsa attorney and tribal law expert addressed the National Indian Gaming Association annual meeting in San Diego this week.

“The prospects of I-gaming are moving at warp speed,” McBride said.

States are beginning to look at regulations for Internet gaming. Nevada has drawn up rules while Iowa and New Jersey are looking at various proposals, McBride said.

The changes to Internet gaming could affect tribal gaming in Oklahoma, he said.

“Tribes have previously had geographic exclusivity to engage in gaming according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, but now that I-gaming might become legal, tribes are the ones who stand to lose the most,” McBride said. “Tribal governments should demand the protection of their interests under IGRA or risk being left behind.”